The baby's room

Many newborn infants share their parents' bedroom for the first few months, but even if is the case, a separate room should be planned and equipped so that everything is conveniently at hand for the main activities in the baby's life : nursing, body hygiene and diaper changing.

The baby's room

The room itself should be warm and well ventilated. A constant temperature of 68 degree to 27 degree F (20-22 degree C) is advisable for any baby who weight less that eight pounds (3.6 kg), but as the baby grows and put on weight, the nighttime temperature may be allowed to fall as low as 60 degree F (15 degree C). It is important that the air in the room is not dry. Place a humidifier in the room to keep the air warm and moist.Every baby needs fresh air, but should be protected from drafts, to make sure that the crib is not next to the open window when the baby is asleep.Alternatively a screen can be used if a small windows is open. In cold weather,the room should be aired when the baby is not occupying it.

Lighting

For the convenience of the parents the room should be well lighted, but the newborn infants are unable to adjust their eyes to a bright light. A ceiling light should therefore have a low-power bulb , or a dimmer attachment on the light switch. A small table lamp is useful particularly when placed to the dresser to illuminate the contents of the drawers.Even small babies become quickly bored by have nothing to look at. A mobile above the bassinet or crib may hold the infant's attention , as will brightly colored pictures fixed within the baby's field of vision.

Furniture and equipment

The most important piece of furniture in the baby's room is the bed. The most suitable first bed for a newborn infant is bassinet, straw basket, or portable crib because a tiny baby feels more secure in a fairly small place.If the baby is going to sleep in a crib, the bumper pads around the edge, and wrap the baby firmly so that he or she feels secure.A separate low table or cart should be set aside for nursing and feeding articles, if you intend to always feed the baby in his or her own room.A dresser is useful for storing sheets,blankets, towels, diapers, and clean clothing. As the baby grows out of clothes, they should be stored elsewhere to ensure that the dresser does not become overfull.